Hoof boots

Preston

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 12, 2020
Messages
189
Any of your horse riders use hoof boots on your horses for trail riding or packing? Trying to find a more versatile less expensive option than shoeing. I've read on here that there was a backcountry outfitter in BC than only used hoof boots. Looking at brands such as Scoot boots. Wanting something that we can ride on packed snow/icy spots for winter riding. Thanks
 
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
758
Location
Gypsum, CO
Nothing beats shoeing your horses, hoof boots are made mainly for emergencies, that’s the only way we use them. Don’t skimp on your horse to save money, getting horses shod is part of horse ownership.

I use the easy care boots in emergencies,


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Preston

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 12, 2020
Messages
189
Thanks, not looking at saving money but shoes just seem to fit one purpose and can be dangerous in icy/muddy conditions, river beds. Looking for something that is multi functional. Ive read about endurance riders using hoof boots?
 
Joined
Jan 22, 2016
Messages
1,260
Location
Missoula, MT
I bought a pair of the Cavallo hoof boots for the rears. I have my horses shod up front but they do get tender in the rear on the rocks which is understandable. I haven’t used them yet but looking forward to it.

The competitive endurance riders use hoof boots quite frequently and successfully. Not sure about winter riding though how they would do on ice and snow.


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Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
758
Location
Gypsum, CO
If your worried about slipping and sliding, I’d have ur farrier put screw in studs in, you can put them in when you leave for a ride, when ur done you out the regular screw back in and they are back onto normal shoes, or just leave them on 24-7, just don’t have ur horses together if they tend to kick at each other in the pen. Also put on snow pads to keep snow and mud from building up in the hoof, that helps tremendously for slipping and sliding.

If you are gonna go with boots be careful we’ve had horses get sores from them rubbing on long rides.


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wyodan

WKR
Joined
Jan 11, 2013
Messages
746
I just picked up some scoot boots for my mule. My farrier, who is also a packer, recommends the boots for barefoot animals. I haven’t tried them yet, but they look good and seem minimalistic.
 
Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Messages
518
Location
Nebraska
Renegade are the best ones we have used (by a long shot), but I haven’t stayed up to date on the latest and greatest.

On snow and ice they are comparable to normal shoes. I think you can put studs in them if needed though. They can pull off in deep mud, but once again comparable to normal shoes.
 

bmart2622

WKR
Joined
Jun 16, 2013
Messages
2,451
Location
Montana
I dont use them but for me they are a temporary/emergency solution for when you throw a shoe and need to get out of the mountains to a place you can replace the shoe
 

Wrongside

WKR
Joined
Jun 3, 2012
Messages
729
Location
AB
We’ve used boots quite a bit in the past. Not so much anymore. Only as an emergency or temporary solution.

They worked okay for our uses, we had them studded for late season snow and ice. But they don’t last at all in rocky country, especially off trail, and require a lot of repair to keep a whole set functioning. They’re also easy to lose in muddy creek crossings and deep, crusty snow.

I switched to these on our horses exclusively for the last 5 years. Easy on horses feet and offer fantastic traction on rock. They can be studded or bolted, and last way better than I’d expected.

 
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